How to deal with peanuts growing mold

In fact, many people often eat foods that are high in nutritional value and help promote digestion and absorption. So at this time, everyone will think of peanuts. Peanuts can indeed nourish the stomach. Not only do they help digestion and absorption, but they can also supplement nutrition. However, if peanuts are not stored properly, they will grow hair and mold. Such peanuts cannot be eaten and special attention needs to be paid.

Can you eat moldy peanuts?

Don’t eat moldy peanuts!

Peanuts are easily infected by Aspergillus flavus, and the aflatoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus is a very strong carcinogen. Moreover, some people are reluctant to throw away moldy peanuts, and continue to eat them after washing and drying them. This practice is also wrong. It is difficult to completely remove toxins. Frequent washing and high-temperature disinfection cannot remove toxic substances. Aflatoxin is very heat-resistant and can reach temperatures as high as 270 degrees Celsius. It cannot be decomposed by normal heating treatment, so moldy peanuts must not be eaten.

In addition, moldy peanuts may generally be accompanied by a rancid smell, which is mainly caused by the oxidized acid in the oil in the peanuts. Oxidation and rancidity of fats and oils produce free radicals, which may cause cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and cancer. Aflatoxin can easily reproduce not only on peanuts, but also on corn, soybeans, and high-grain grains, so be vigilant.

How to tell if peanuts are moldy

1. Look: Moldy peanuts will grow black or yellow-green mold, and the kernels may turn yellow;

2. Smell: If the peanuts smell moldy, it means they are moldy and cannot be eaten.

3. Check: the shelf life and storage environment of the peanuts. Peanuts are stored for a long time, and the storage environment is humid, which can easily breed aflatoxin;

4. Taste: Taste a peanut. If it tastes bitter, it means it has become moldy and cannot be eaten.

Tips: The tasting method is suitable for products where mold is not obvious. If mold is obviously present, do not taste it. Also, even if the mold is not obvious, do not swallow it. If it tastes bitter, spit it out immediately.

What should I do if the peanuts are moldy?

Do not eat moldy things as they may cause cancer. However, it does not mean that you will get sick immediately after taking it once. Moldy peanuts contain aflatoxin, which is carcinogenic only after long-term accumulation. Its toxicity is not that strong and it cannot cause cancer after just one or two exposures. Generally speaking, if the aflatoxin level in the body reaches 1 mg/kg or above, it may induce cancer, which is only equivalent to aflatoxin the size of a sesame seed in 1 ton of grain.

Moldy peanuts are not a serious situation. If there is no major reaction once or twice, there is no need to worry too much. It generally will not cause cancer. Just don't eat it randomly next time. Long-term use will increase the risk of cancer. You should eat more fruits and vegetables.

Of course, if you accidentally eat a large amount of moldy peanuts and cause aflatoxin poisoning, the main symptoms are nausea, vomiting, jaundice and pain in the liver area, and you should be sent to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible. Also, if you eat moldy nut snacks, such as peanuts, don't be lazy. It's best to get up and spit them out and rinse your mouth with clean water.

In addition, if a pregnant woman accidentally eats moldy peanuts, whether in small or large quantities, it is recommended to go to the hospital for examination in time and have regular prenatal checkups.